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MLB Awards Watch: The wasteland of American League rookies

By Brad Rowland

Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Steven Souza Jr. (20) hits a solo home run off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (50) (not pictured) during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Steven Souza Jr. (20) hits a solo home run off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (50) (not pictured) during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) reacts as Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (right) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the second inning in game two of a double header at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) reacts as Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (right) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the second inning in game two of a double header at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Cy Young

  1. Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals – Scherzer continues to set the pace. The talented right-hander has been in the driver’s seat for much of the season, but with a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts, it isn’t difficult to see why. Any concern about a team/league change has evaporated as Scherzer strikes out more than 10 batters per 9 innings, and with a 2.8 fWAR, he is on pace for a ridiculously productive campaign.
  2. Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh Pirates – While some would point to Cole’s NL-leading 9 wins as backup for this selection, his actual performance is much more impressive. The powerful youngster has an NL-leading 1.73 ERA through 12 starts and 78 innings, and the strikeout rate (9.92 K/9) is that of a real, live “ace”. Cole’s teammate, A.J. Burnett, has been nearly as effective, but give me the guy with upside and better peripherals.
  3. Jacob deGrom, New York Mets – Scherzer and Cole represent a clear top two in my mind, but the third spot is a bit more dicey. deGrom gets the nod over Clayton Kershaw (he’s coming), A.J. Burnett, Zack Greinke, Shelby Miller and Jake Arrieta, and New York has to be pleased with the early returns from their “other” young stud. Matt Harvey continues to grab headlines, but deGrom has simply been the better pitcher this season, posting a 2.42 ERA through 12 starts.

Next: AL Cy Young

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